ITTO drives strategic forest partnerships at UNFF20

ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru delivering her intervention at the UNFF20. Photo: Ramon Carillo/ITTO

The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) is actively engaged in the 20th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20), taking place from 5 to 9 May 2025 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. This key global forum—under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)—is focused on reviewing progress towards the Global Forest Goals and the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030, with this session emphasizing Goals 1, 3, and 5: halting deforestation, promoting sustainably managed forests, and enhancing forest governance.

ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru participated in several high-level discussions and events, reinforcing ITTO’s contributions to sustainable tropical forestry and collaborative partnerships for global forest solutions.

On the first day of the Forum, ITTO actively participated in the side event “Unlocking the Potential of Timber and Bamboo in International Trade through Sustainable Forest Governance,” organized by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR), Ms Satkuru made an intervention highlighting the depth and breadth of ITTO’s project portfolio related to bamboo. These ITTO projects, she noted, are yielding valuable lessons, technical knowledge, and policy insights that can inform broader efforts to integrate bamboo and timber into sustainable trade frameworks. The Chair of the Broader Market Recognition Coalition (BMRC), Dr Krisdianto Sugiyanto, responded by stating that the BMRC intend to enhance collaboration with ITTO, to which Ms Satkuru welcomed future engagement in building on the outcomes of these initiatives. 

In the afternoon plenary session, under agenda item 3 (i), Ms Satkuru made an intervention on the contributions of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) and its member organizations to achieving the UNFF’s thematic priorities. She provided an update on ITTO’s contributions under the CPF work plan, emphasizing the Organization’s efforts in strengthening sustainable forest management, enhancing activities on legal and sustainable supply chains, and enhancing capacity building in tropical member countries. Her statement also reflected ITTO’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing across the UN system. She strongly urged member countries to strongly support the work of the ITTO, based on successful projects implemented over the years.

ITTO also participated in a CPF meeting held on the sidelines of UNFF20, where she updated the CPF partners on ITTO’s work in developing a comprehensive forest fires toolkit. The toolkit, aimed at supporting tropical countries in wildfire preparedness and response, reflects ITTO’s practical approach to addressing one of the most pressing threats to forest sustainability.

During discussions under agenda item 3 (a), the delegate of Costa Rica, Mr Jorge Mario Rodríguez, acknowledged ITTO’s longstanding support for forest initiatives in the country. He described how, through ITTO’s support, Costa Rica is moving forward with initiatives aimed at the sustainable management of secondary forests and the revitalization of commercial reforestation efforts.. Mr Rodríguez emphasized that these efforts are helping the country address deforestation while meeting domestic timber demand sustainably. 

“Costa Rica, through its own initiative and national investment, and with the support of ITTO, is implementing projects related to the sustainable management of secondary forests and the revitalization of commercial reforestation in the country”, said Mr Rodriguez.

He noted that, as a result of these partnerships and the successful implementation of the ITTO-supported project, Costa Rica has launched several impactful initiatives, including developing a national timber construction code and implementing a national wood legality certification system. He highlighted recent regulations to ensure public institutions verify the legal origin of timber purchases, pointing out that these measures are increasing the value and profitability of the forestry sector while supporting rural economic development and improving conditions for forest producers.

With strong partnerships, such as those with CPF members, INBAR, and member states like Costa Rica, ITTO continues to position tropical forests as critical ecosystems and vital economic assets for a more sustainable and resilient future. 

Stay tuned for further coverage highlighting ITTO’s continued engagement at UNFF20, including its participation in key side events and policy dialogue.